[Treatment] New to CPAP - OSCAR reading

[grzkar]

Hey, so a little update - I'm using both Cover Roll Stretch Tape and Theraband Kinesiology tape because otherwise, I feel like a lot of air is still escaping through my mouth. The issue is that lately, I've been getting worse AHI scores (2.5 AHI), and I'm not sure what I can do about it (attaching one recording). Maybe nasal pillows are not suitable for me, and my nasal passages are too congested/occluded? Does anyone have any ideas on how I can improve the results without changing the mask? I really like nasal pillows compared to my previous Philips Amara View mask.

Also, an additional question:
Is it possible that by using a nasal/nasal pillows mask, I'm getting more prominent malar bags/bags under my eyes? I know that I have hypertrophied nasal turbinates, so I suspect my nose is congested, and because of that, the CPAP mask can push the fluid to create those bags? If so, is there anything I can do about it?

I would appreciate any help!

[Deborah K.]

I always have congestion and have used nasal pillows for years with no problem. I can't imagine they have anything to do with under-eye bags. I never get them.